Why Is This So Expensive?”: Understanding the True Cost of Handmade Items
As a small business owner and the maker behind October Rust Designs, I’ve heard it before: “Why is this so expensive?” It’s a question that stings, not because it’s asked, but because it’s rooted in misunderstanding.
In today’s world, where mass-produced items are available at big-box stores for a fraction of the cost, handmade products can seem pricey at first glance. But there’s so much more behind the price tag of a handcrafted piece.
Let’s break down why handmade items cost more – and why they’re worth every penny.
1. The Cost of Quality Materials
Unlike mass-produced goods, handmade items are crafted with care and attention to detail. This often means using higher-quality materials, which come at a premium.
Raw Materials: For my work, this might mean sustainably sourced wood, durable paints and finishes, and unique embellishments that aren’t cheap but ensure a product that lasts.
Small-Scale Purchasing: Big-box stores buy materials in bulk, often overseas, at a fraction of the cost. Small businesses don’t have that luxury, so we pay more per unit.
2. The Value of Time
Every handmade item represents hours of work – sometimes even days.
Designing: From sketching ideas to perfecting prototypes, the creative process takes time.
Crafting: Each piece is cut, sanded, assembled, and finished by hand. There’s no assembly line or shortcuts – just care and precision.
Customization: Many handmade items, including mine, can be tailored to customer preferences. This personal touch takes even more time.
3. The Invisible Costs of Running a Small Business
Behind every piece I sell is a business with its own expenses:
Equipment and Tools: The tools I use to create my products are an investment – and they require maintenance and occasional replacement.
Booth Fees and Advertising: Participating in craft fairs, running a website, and marketing on social media all come with costs.
Taxes and Fees: From sales tax to business licensing, these costs add up.
4. The Ethical Difference
Handmade items are often created under ethical conditions that prioritize fair labor and sustainability.
No Exploitation: Unlike mass-produced goods, handmade items aren’t the result of underpaid labor.
Sustainable Practices: Many small businesses, including mine, strive to minimize waste and source responsibly.
5. The Unique Factor
Every handmade item is one of a kind. It’s not churned out by a machine but crafted with passion, skill, and a personal touch. When you buy handmade, you’re buying more than a product – you’re buying a story.
The True Value of Handmade
When you purchase a handmade item, you’re not just paying for the product itself. You’re supporting:
A maker who pours their heart into their craft.
A family striving to create a meaningful livelihood.
A community of artisans working to keep traditions alive.
A Final Thought
At October Rust Designs, We take pride in every piece we create. Each item reflects hours of work, a commitment to quality, and a passion for making something special.
So the next time you see a price tag on a handmade product that makes you pause, remember: it’s not “expensive.” It’s valuable – because it’s made with care, integrity, and a whole lot of heart.
To my fellow artisans: Keep educating your customers. The more they understand the value of handmade work, the more they’ll appreciate it.
And to customers: Thank you for supporting small businesses. Your purchases mean the world to us – and they make a bigger impact than you might ever realize.
